How to reply to questions about stereo cost?

Just lie! But make it a suitible whopper to fit the personality of your guest. I usually tell folks its old vintage tubed equipment from the 60's, but some I tell that, believe it or not, it cost more than my 'Rolex". I never actually give someone an real number. I let them fill that in with their imagination. :-)

No one has asked me in years (except my insurance agent). The only time $$$ comes up is when an impressed guest asks me to suggest a system for him/her. Then I ask what they can spend.

Kal

I really enjoyed this post; it's given me some suitable answers. I usually say something like; "oh gosh I'd really need to look that up to be sure" or for the total system costs something like; "about the same as a little car" That leaves it to their imagination. I've even given costs as a function of weight. How much is that amp worth? "Oh that...it’s about $75/lb". It really doesn't matter which component they ask about, the response and the look is always the same......."Shut up!! You’ve got to be kidding. Are you serious....man oh man whatever you're on, I want some too. What does your wife say about this”
I have my power amp sitting on the floor between my speakers and now when people ask what that big ugly thing is on the floor I just tell them it’s an electric furnace that doubles as an amp for my speakers. :)

I really don't know and have not needed any excueses. I hooked with an 'ENABLER'. Actually that has it's own unique issues.

"I don't sell black tar heroin on the weekends for my health." (From Viridian)
That's the best one! Thanks.

What's with Americans always asking what everything you own costs? It's so tacky and rude!